Russia Turns to Kazakh Users for Recruitment

As the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, internet users in Kazakhstan report receiving advertisements on their screens offering immediate payments of over five thousand dollars to join the Russian army. More than three million Russians and Russian-speaking individuals reside in Kazakhstan, which has traditionally been one of Russia's closest allies. However, the Astana government has not supported what Moscow calls its 'special military operation' in Ukraine and has called for peace. Reuters has reported advertisements that clearly target Kazakhs, displaying the flags of Russia and Kazakhstan along with the slogan 'Shoulder to Shoulder.' These ads promise those who sign contracts with the Russian army and go to fight in Ukraine an initial payment of 500,000 Russian rubles (equivalent to 5,300 dollars), along with at least two thousand dollars in monthly salary and additional benefits. The advertisement leads to a website that offers potential recruits the opportunity to join the Russian army in the Sakhalin region in the far east of Russia. The website is reportedly owned by the 'Sakhalin Human Capital Development Agency,' an organization established by the local government. Call center operators for the agency told Reuters they could not comment on the advertisement, and the organization did not respond to emailed questions. According to Kazakhstan's laws, joining military conflicts abroad for payment is illegal. Residents of other former Soviet Central Asian countries told Reuters that some of their compatriots have joined the Russian army or private Russian recruitment groups like Wagner. However, due to its oil wealth, Kazakhstan sends far fewer migrants abroad for work.